—-Says artisans key to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, has unveiled a N3.6 billion business incubation programme to empower skilled workers across Nigeria.

Ogun announced the scheme on Friday in Akure, Ondo State, during the launch of the Nigeria Artisans for the Renewed Hope Initiative, a group mobilizing support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event drew artisans from the six geopolitical zones, with plans to replicate the initiative in other regions.

Speaking at the event, Ogun said artisans had long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy but were only now receiving “unprecedented attention” under the Tinubu administration.

“No leader truly recognised the strategic importance of artisans until the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

He credited the President with prioritizing skills development through policies designed to boost productivity, entrepreneurship and global competitiveness.

Ogun said ongoing economic reforms were beginning to yield results and urged Nigerians to allow them to mature.

“President Tinubu is known for laying solid foundations. He is laying similar foundations for Nigeria,” he added.

The Director General disclosed that the N3.6bn incubation scheme would target tailors nationwide.

He said that “Beneficiaries who pass competency tests will receive industrial sewing machines, specialized equipment, shop support and entrepreneurship training.

“This initiative goes far beyond distributing starter packs. We want artisans not only to master their trades but also to build thriving enterprises. Mentorship, project management and business development are central components,” Ogun said.

“The ITF is also partnering with the International Labour Organisation to provide globally recognized certification and continuous capacity-building for artisans.

Ogun added that the Fund is investing in digital fabrication centres nationwide, including hubs for metal, wood, ceramics, glass and leather.

” The first digital metal fabrication centre is already operational in Lagos, with others being developed in Ondo, Benin, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom and Kano.

“We are creating facilities that will allow artisans to design and manufacture products using advanced technology,” he said.

He described artisanship as a viable solution to unemployment and urged Nigerians to focus on competence and performance rather than ethnic considerations when assessing leaders.

President of the Ondo State Artisan Group, Adefiranye Gbenga, pledged support for the Renewed Hope Initiative, saying members were aligned with Tinubu’s vision for economic transformation.

Adefiranye expressed confidence that investments in skills development and vocational training would translate into greater prosperity for Nigerians.